Gay student banned from college for 'inappropriate suit'

Gay student banned from college for 'inappropriate suit'

Mark Furler is News Regional Media's group digital editor. He’s an award-winning journalist who has lived and worked on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast for more than 30 years. He’s passionate about fighting for a better go for locals. His awards include Editor of the Year, and involvement in three PANPA Newspaper of the Year wins for the Sunshine Coast Daily. He has also been involved in INMA and News awards wins for excellence in digital coverage.

A GAY student who was banned from an event at his former school because of wearing an "inappropriate suit" has taken to social media to vent his outrage.

Angus McCormack, a student at RMIT, returned to Bendigo to attend a Foundation Day Service held by Girton Grammar School.

He was the school captain in 2013.

"My father was just one of many members of the school Board, and asked me to accompany him to the event,'' Mr McCormack wrote on his Facebook post.

"My father courteously advised the school of my attendance to which they replied and specifically noted that "...I respectfully ask that Angus wear appropriate attire…" for the event.

"Now, those who know me are fully aware that I am openly gay and very confident in my often "bold" choices of fashion.

"(I was originally considering rocking a dress and some killer heels!) However, I decided to "tone down" my appearance and be respectful to their wishes.

"Therefore, I decided to wear minimal makeup, a single small earring, neat black leather pants, a white shirt with a black bow tie and black designer jacket.

Angus McCormack dressed for the Girton Grammar School Foundation Day Celebration. Picture: FACEBOOK

"Upon my arrival at the Cathedral, after greeting a lot of excited staff and students on my way in, I was approached by the deputy head at the aisle and without even greeting me she told me I was "inappropriately dressed" and commanded that I "…leave the event."

To avoid further embarrassment and a potentially ugly scene, I decided to graciously turn away and walk out.

"Although my Father as a Board member (at the time…he has since resigned!) had duties to perform at the service, he was so disgraced by my refusal of entry that he departed with me to support me in my rejection.

"The situation is now growing greater awareness as people who saw what happened talk and I have had an outstanding amount of support and encouragement from a lot of family and friends so far which has been amazing.

"My family and I are incredibly hurt by the actions, which have been exercised against me and despite trying to remain my bubbly and confident self, this is eating away at the core of who I am, not to mention the utter sense of despair I have suffered in being turned away by the school with which I was once so proud to be associated with.

"Since I have not been contacted by anyone currently at the school let alone received any remote form of apology or acknowledgment, I have decided it is time to take things further.

"I am not only seeking fair treatment for myself, but I also want to fight for all those people out there who don't have a voice, who don't know who they are and who can't openly express themselves. Its 2016!

"This kind of discrimination against any person regardless of their gender, race, sexual orientation or beliefs is just utterly appalling. Funnily enough, the school seems to believe that this issue will disappear and not affect their reputation or enrolments."